[4] In addition, there are some CPTs, such as QbTest [5] and Quotient, that combine attention and impulsivity measures with motion tracking analysis.
These types of CPTs can assist health professionals with objective information regarding the three core symptoms of ADHD: hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
The first version of a CPT was developed and reported in the Journal of Consulting Psychology in 1956 by psychologists Haldor Rosvold, Allan Mirsky, Irwin Sarason, Edwin Bransom, and Lloyd Beck.
Rosvold and colleagues presented their CPT using a custom-made device that illuminated letters printed on a rotating drum for about one second.
Clients are presented with a repetitive, boring task and must maintain their focus over a period of time in order to respond to targets or inhibit response to foils.
This creates a continuous response set so when the test-taker is suddenly presented with a foil, he or she may find it difficult to "put on the brakes."
During the 15–20 minutes test, the client's ability to sit still, pay attention and inhibit impulsivity over time is measured.
Clients 12–60 years old receive a more cognitive challenging task, where they are instructed to press the responder button each time a symbol with the same shape and color is repeated on the screen.
[10] Another CPT, the Immediate and Delayed Memory Task is a computer administered test that involves the rapid presentation of 5-digit number.
However, this task also includes "catch" trials in which consecutive stimuli match on 4 out of 5 digits, responses to which are interpreted as impulsive.